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Therapeutic Communication Article Summary
Xue Nan
Pasadena City College
NURS 052S: Intermediate Nursing Care - Seminar
Mrs. Cho
January 10, 2023
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Abstract
Therapeutic communication is a skilled technique that can help the nurse understand and focus
on the client’s specific needs to promote care. Therapeutic communication is very important in
nursing practice, but when facing psychiatric patients, student nurses may still be unable to
communicate effectively with clients due to nervousness or safety concerns. This article
conducted an integrative review of the research that draws upon the important role of using
clinical role-playing and reflection to learn therapeutic communication skills in mental health
education (Rønning & Bjørkly, 2019). Rønning & Bjørkly mentioned that “Group-based
reflection in learning therapeutic communication skills may be implemented through teaching
formats, such as simulation techniques, role-play and reflective practice” (2019, p. 415).
According to the article, role-playing can “increase students' involvement, self-efficacy and
empathic abilities in mental health practice”, and it can “promote reflection and insight not only
for students in the patient and therapist roles, but also for peers observing the group sessions”
(Rønning & Bjørkly, 2019, p. 424). Therefore, after learning the various therapeutic
communication skills listed in textbooks, nursing students still need to apply theory to practice,
simulation or role-playing can be an effective way to strengthen the ability to facilitate
therapeutic communication.
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References
Rønning, S. B., & Bjørkly, S. (2019). The use of clinical role-play and reflection in learning
therapeutic communication skills in mental health education: an integrative review.
Advances in Medical Education and Practice, 10, 415–425.
https://doi.org/10.2147/amep.s202115